Guns

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Guns See also: Crime

Quinnipiac University. March 26-April 1, 2013. N=1,711 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.4.

"Do you support or oppose stricter gun control laws in the United States?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/26 - 4/1/13	53	42	4
	Republicans	29	67	4
	Democrats	78	19	3
	Independents	52	44	5
	Men	45	51	4
	Women	61	35	5

	2/27 - 3/4/13	51	42	7
	Republicans	24	68	8
	Democrats	79	17	4
	Independents	46	48	6

	1/30 - 2/4/13	52	43	5
	7/8-13/08	54	40	5

"Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/26 - 4/1/13	59	36	4
	2/27 - 3/4/13	54	41	6
	1/30 - 2/4/13	56	39	5

"Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 bullets?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/26 - 4/1/13	58	38	4
	2/27 - 3/4/13	54	42	5
	1/30 - 2/4/13	56	40	4

"Do you support or oppose requiring background checks for all gun buyers?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/26 - 4/1/13	91	8	1
	2/27 - 3/4/13	88	10	2
	1/30 - 2/4/13	92	7	1

"Do you believe that if there are background checks for all gun purchases the government will or will not use that information in the future to confiscate legally-owned guns?"

		Will	Will not	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/26 - 4/1/13	48	38	14

Morning Joe/Marist Poll. March 25-27, 2013. N=1,219 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.8.

"Do you think it is more important to protect gun rights or control gun violence?"

		Protect gun rights	Control gun violence	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/25-27/13	44	53	3

"Do you think the laws covering the sale of firearms should be more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now?"

		More strict	Less strict	Kept as they are	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/25-27/13	60	5	33	2

"Do you support or oppose legislation that would ban the sale of assault weapons?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	59	37	4
	Gun owners	45	51	4

"Do you support or oppose legislation that would require background checks for private gun sales and sales at gun shows?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	87	12	1
	Gun owners	83	17	1

CBS News Poll. March 20-24, 2013. N=1,181 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"In general, do you think gun control laws should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now?"

		More strict	Less strict	Kept as they are	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%
	3/20-24/13	47	11	39	3
	Republicans	29	16	52	3
	Democrats	66	2	30	2
	Independents	43	15	39	3

	2/6-10/13	53	10	34	3
	Republicans	25	13	60	2
	Democrats	78	3	15	3
	Independents	48	15	33	4

	1/11-15/13	54	9	34	3
	12/14-16/12	57	9	30	4
	4/12	39	13	41	6

"Do you favor or oppose a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons -- including some rifles, pistols, and shotguns -- that have detachable magazines, allowing them to rapidly fire a high number of rounds?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%
	3/20-24/13	49	49	3
	Republicans	36	61	3
	Democrats	65	33	2
	Independents	43	54	4

	2/6-10/13	52	44	5
	Republicans	28	67	5
	Democrats	72	25	4
	Independents	49	46	5

	1/11-15/13	53	44	4

"Do you favor or oppose a federal law requiring background checks on all potential gun buyers?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%
	3/20-24/13	90	8	2
	Republicans	86	12	2
	Democrats	96	3	1
	Independents	89	10	2

	2/6-10/13	91	7	2
	Republicans	89	9	2
	Democrats	94	5	2
	Independents	90	8	2

	1/11-15/13	92	7	1

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). March 17-19, 2013. N=1,002 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Turning now to gun control: Which one of the following do you think is most likely to reduce gun violence? Stricter gun control laws for everyone. Better mental health services. Better parenting."

		Stricter gun control laws	Better mental health services	Better parenting	All (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	3/17-19/13	26	24	37	9	5

"Do you favor or oppose each of the following proposals to reduce gun violence? . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers, including those buying at gun shows and private sales"
	3/17-19/13	85	13	1
	1/15-17/13	91	8	1

	"Requiring mental health checks on all gun buyers"
	3/17-19/13	72	25	3
	1/15-17/13	83	15	2

	"Requiring criminal background checks on anyone buying bullets and ammunition"
	3/17-19/13	70	28	2
	1/15-17/13	80	19	1

	"Banning high-capacity ammunition clips that can shoot dozens of bullets without stopping to reload"
	3/17-19/13	54	43	3
	1/15-17/13	56	38	6

	"Putting armed guards in schools for protection"
	3/17-19/13	51	45	4
	1/15-17/13	60	36	4

	"Banning assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons"
	3/17-19/13	51	47	2
	1/15-17/13	54	42	3

CNN/ORC Poll. March 15-17, 2013. N=1,021 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? There should be no restrictions on owning guns. There should be some restrictions on owning guns. All guns should be illegal for everyone except police and authorized personnel."

		No restrictions	Some restrictions	Illegal	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	3/15-17/13	17	70	12	-
	12/17-18/12	13	71	15	-
	8/7-8/12	13	76	10	-
	1/14-16/11	14	71	14	1
	6/26-28/09	14	71	15	-

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? There should be no restrictions on owning guns. There should be some restrictions on owning guns. All guns should be illegal for everyone except police and authorized personnel." If some restrictions: "Do you think there should be major restrictions on owning guns or only minor restrictions?" Combined responses.

		No restrictions	Minor restrictions	Major restrictions	Illegal	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	3/15-17/13	17	38	31	12	2
	12/17-18/12	13	33	37	15	2
	8/7-8/12	13	37	38	10	1
	1/14-16/11	14	36	34	14	2
	6/26-28/09	14	36	34	15	1

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 7-10, 2013. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Who do you trust to do a better job handling the issue of gun control: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

		Obama	Republicans in Congress	Both (vol)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	42	41	1	10	6

"Do you favor or oppose stricter gun control laws in this country?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	52	45	3
	12/14-16/12	54	43	3
	7/25 - 8/5/12	51	47	2
	1/13-16/11	52	45	3
	4/21-24/09	51	48	1
	4/22/07	61	36	3
	10/06	61	37	2
	5/02	57	37	6
	1/01	59	39	2
	5/00	67	30	3
	4/00	64	34	2
	9/99	63	35	2
	8/99	63	34	3
	5/99	67	31	1

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	57	41	2
	1/10-13/13	58	39	3
	4/22/07	67	30	3
	5/00	71	27	2
	8/30 - 9/2/99	77	22	1
	5/99	79	19	2
	6/94	80	18	2

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring background checks on people buying guns at gun shows?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	91	8	1
	1/10-13/13	88	11	1
	5/00	92	6	2
	8/30 - 9/2/99	90	9	1
	5/99	89	11	-

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring placing an armed guard in every school in the country?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	50	48	3
	1/10-13/13	55	42	2

"Would you support or oppose a law making illegal gun sales a federal crime?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	3/7-10/13	82	15	3

"Do you or does anyone in your house own a gun, or not?"

		Yes	No
		%	%
	3/7-10/13	42	57
	1/10-13/13	44	56
	1/13-16/11	44	55
	4/21-24/09	41	58
	6/12-15/08	42	58
	4/22/07	45	55
	10/5-8/06	42	58
	10/02	41	59
	5/00	45	55
	4/00	43	56
	9/99	44	56
	5/99	46	53

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Feb. 21-24, 2013. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.1.

"In general, do you feel that the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now?"

		More strict	Less strict	Kept as they are	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	2/21-24/13	61	4	34	1
	1/12-15/13	56	7	35	2
	1/13-17/11	52	10	37	1

Pew Research Center/USA Today. Feb. 13-18, 2013. N=1,504 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.9.

"And thinking about these same issues, who do you think has the better approach to dealing with gun policies: Barack Obama or Republicans in Congress?"

		Obama	Republicans in Congress	Same/No difference (vol.)	Neither/ Other (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	2/13-18/13	45	39	1	6	8

"What do you think is more important -- to protect the right of Americans to own guns, or to control gun ownership?"

		Protect right to own guns	Control ownership	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	2/13-18/13	46	50	4
	1/9-13/13	45	51	5
	12/17-19/12	42	49	9
	7/26-29/12	46	47	6
	4/4-15/12	49	45	6
	9/22 - 10/4/11	47	49	5
	2/22 - 3/1/11	48	47	6
	1/13-16/11	49	46	6

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose the following proposals about gun policy. First, [see below]?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"A ban on high-capacity ammunition clips that hold more than 10 bullets"
	2/13-18/13	53	44	3
	1/9-13/13	54	42	4

	"Making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks"
	2/13-18/13	83	15	2
	1/9-13/13	85	12	3

	"A ban on assault-style weapons"
	2/13-18/13	56	41	3
	1/9-13/13	55	40	5

CBS News Poll. Feb. 6-10, 2013. N=1,148 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"As you may know, high-capacity magazines or clips can hold many rounds of ammunition, so a shooter can fire more rounds without manually reloading. Would you favor or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines that hold many rounds of ammunition?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%
	2/6-10/13	59	38	3
	Republicans	37	60	3
	Democrats	78	21	1
	Independents	57	38	4

	1/11-15/13	63	34	3
	1/15-19/11	63	34	3

"How much do you think stricter gun laws would do to help prevent gun violence? Would stricter laws help a lot, some, not much, or not at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Not at all	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	2/6-10/13	21	33	19	26	2
	1/11-15/13	23	30	17	29	1

"How much do you think better mental health screening and treatment would do to help prevent gun violence? Would better mental health screening and treatment help a lot, some, not much, or not at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Not at all	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	2/6-10/13	46	35	9	8	2
	1/11-15/13	44	38	10	7	1

"How much do you think more police or armed security guards would do to help prevent mass shootings in public places such as schools, movie theaters, and malls? Would more police or armed security guards help a lot, some, not much or not at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Not at all	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	2/6-10/13	36	39	17	7	1
	1/11-15/13	35	39	17	8	1

Quinnipiac University. Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2013. N=1,772 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.3.

"Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	56	39	5
	Republicans	39	55	7
	Democrats	81	16	3
	Independents	50	46	4

"Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 bullets?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	56	40	4
	Republicans	37	58	6
	Democrats	77	20	4
	Independents	55	42	3

"Do you support or oppose requiring background checks for all gun buyers?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	ALL	92	7	1
	Republicans	89	9	2
	Democrats	96	3	1
	Independents	92	7	1

"If a member of Congress who represents your district were to vote for a ban on the sale of assault weapons, would you be more likely to vote for that person, less likely to vote for that person, or wouldn't it make a difference?"

		More likely	Less likely	No difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	ALL	37	31	30	3
	Republicans	19	48	29	4
	Democrats	61	11	26	2
	Independents	30	33	34	2

"Who do you think better reflects your views on guns: President Obama or the National Rifle Association?"

		Obama	NRA	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/30 - 2/4/13	43	46	1	5	5

University of Connecticut/Hartford Courant Poll. Jan. 22-28, 2013. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"In general, do you feel that the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now?"

		More strict	Less strict	Kept as they are	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/22-28/13	50	8	38	4

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose the following proposals made as ways to control gun violence. . . ."

		Strongly favor	Somewhat favor	Somewhat oppose	Strongly oppose	Neither (vol.)/Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Banning military style assault weapons"
	1/22-28/13	48	9	11	26	6

	"Banning ammunition clips that can hold more than 10 bullets"
	1/22-28/13	42	11	10	31	6

	"A law which would require background checks before people -- including gun dealers -- could buy guns at gun shows"
	1/22-28/13	69	15	5	9	3

	"A law to prevent people with mental illness from purchasing guns"
	1/22-28/13	67	11	5	9	7

	"Creating a federal government database to track all gun sales"
	1/22-28/13	44	15	9	27	5

"Thinking about the elementary school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, last month -- would you say this incident has made you more likely to support some forms of gun control, less likely to support some forms of gun control, or made no difference in your opinion on gun control?"

		Much more likely	Somewhat more likely	Somewhat less likely	Much less likely	No difference
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/22-28/13	33	11	3	7	44

"How worried are you, if at all, that a mass shooting could happen in a school in your community? Is that something that worries you a great deal, somewhat, not so much or not at all?"

		A great deal	Somewhat	Not so much	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/22-28/13	22	34	26	16	1

"Which of these do you think would do more to reduce gun violence in schools: having stricter gun control laws or armed guards in schools?"

		Stricter laws	Armed guards	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/22-28/13	42	43	11	4

"Next, do you think each of the following would be very effective, somewhat effective, not very effective or not effective at all in preventing mass shootings at schools, like the one that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut? How about . . . ?"

		Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not very effective	Not effective at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"Increasing the police presence at schools"
	1/22-28/13	39	40	11	7	2

	"Increased government spending on mental health screening and treatment"
	1/22-28/13	42	34	10	11	3

	"Decreasing the depiction of gun violence on television and in movies"
	1/22-28/13	35	34	14	15	2

	"Stricter gun control legislation"
	1/22-28/13	35	25	11	26	3

	"Decreasing the depiction of gun violence in video games"
	1/22-28/13	43	28	12	15	2

	"More teachers and school officials having guns in schools"
	1/22-28/13	19	20	17	41	2

	"Making physical changes, like adding bulletproof glass, to school buildings"
	1/22-28/13	22	32	20	24	3

	"Restricting public access to school buildings during the school day"
	1/22-28/13	46	36	7	9	2

Gallup Poll. Jan. 19-20, 2013. N=1,013 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would [see below]?"

		Vote for	Vote against	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Require criminal background checks for all gun sales"
	1/19-20/13	91	8	2

	"Increase government spending for mental health programs for young people"
	1/19-20/13	82	15	3

	"Increase government spending for training police officers, first responders and school officials on how to respond to active armed attacks"
	1/19-20/13	79	19	2

	"Increase criminal penalties for people who pass the required background check but who buy a gun for someone who has not passed a background check"
	1/19-20/13	75	23	2

	"Spend $4 billion of federal government money to help keep 15,000 police officers on the street"
	1/19-20/13	70	24	6

	"Spend $30 million of federal government money to help schools develop emergency response plans"
	1/19-20/13	69	27	4

	"Ban the possession of armor-piercing bullets by anyone other than members of the military and law enforcement"
	1/19-20/13	67	30	3

	"Reinstate and strengthen the ban on assault weapons that was in place from 1994 to 2004"
	1/19-20/13	60	35	5

	"Limit the sale of ammunition magazines to those with 10 rounds or less"
	1/19-20/13	54	43	3

"If you had to choose, which approach to preventing future school shootings should the president and Congress focus on: making major changes to the laws on the sale of guns and ammunition, or making major changes to school security measures and the mental health system?" Options rotated

		Laws on sale of gun, ammunition	School security, mental health	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/19-20/13	30	65	6

Pew Research Center. Jan. 18-20, 2013. N=744 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.3.

"From what you've read and heard, do you think Barack Obama's proposals on guns go too far, not far enough or are about right in addressing the nation's gun laws?"

		Too far	Not far enough	About right	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	1/18-20/13	31	13	39	17

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Jan. 16-20, 2013. N=1,033 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Barack Obama's proposals for stricter gun control?"

		Favorable	Unfavorable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/16-20/13	53	41	6

Public Religion Research Institute. Jan. 16-20, 2013. N=1,033 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Now, I'd like to get your views on some issues that are being discussed in the country today. All in all, do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose passing stricter gun control laws?"

		Strongly favor	Favor	Oppose	Strongly oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/16-20/13	36	24	14	23	3
	8/8-12/12	30	22	21	23	3

"What about stricter enforcement of existing gun control laws?"

		Strongly favor	Favor	Oppose	Strongly oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/16-20/13	45	27	12	13	3
	8/8-12/12	37	30	15	16	3

"What about loosening current gun control laws?"

		Strongly favor	Favor	Oppose	Strongly oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/16-20/13	10	13	32	39	5
	8/8-12/12	12	14	33	36	5

"All in all, would you say your overall opinion of the NRA or National Rifle Association is very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly UNfavorable, or very unfavorable? "

		Very favorable	Mostly favorable	Mostly unfavorable	Very unfavorable	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/16-20/13	18	39	17	19	7

"What do you think is the most important thing that could be done to prevent mass shootings from occurring in the United States? Stricter gun control laws and enforcement. Better mental health screening and support. Stricter security measures for public gatherings. Allow more private citizens to carry guns for protection. Put more emphasis on God and morality in school and society." Options rotated

			1/16-20/13	8/8-12/12
			%	%
	Mental health screening, support		30	22
	Gun control laws, enforcement		25	27
	God and morality		20	20
	Security for public gatherings		11	14
	More citizens carrying guns		9	11
	Other (vol.)		3	3
	Unsure/Refused		2	3

Gallup Poll. Jan. 17, 2013. N=1,021 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"As you may know, yesterday President Obama proposed a set of new laws designed to reduce gun violence in the United States. From what you know or have read about this, would you want your representative in Congress to vote for or against these proposed new laws?"

		Vote for	Vote against	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/17/13	53	41	7

Fox News Poll conducted by Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). Jan. 15-17, 2013. N=1,008 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"I'm going to read you the names of several groups and individuals. Please tell me whether you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of each. If you've never heard of one, please just say so. The National Rifle Association."

		Favorable	Unfavorable	Can't say (vol.)	Never heard of
		%	%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	56	33	7	4
	3/22-23/00	43	35	22	-

"Do you think tougher gun laws can help stop things like the Newtown school shooting, or do you think the people who commit these kinds of acts will always find the guns to commit violent acts?"

		Tougher laws can help	Will always find guns	Mixed (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	22	71	5	1

"Which is more important: protecting the constitutional right of citizens to own guns or protecting citizens from gun violence?" Options rotated

		Protecting right to own guns	Protecting citizens	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	51	40	9

"Would there be less violent crime in the United States if guns were banned or more law-abiding people had guns?" Options rotated

		Guns were banned	More law- abiding gun-owners	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	28	58	15

"Do you favor or oppose each of the following proposals to reduce gun violence? . . ." Each asked of half the sample, margin of error ą 4

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Providing services for mentally ill people who show violent tendencies"
	1/15-17/13	89	9	2

	"Improving enforcement of existing gun laws"
	1/15-17/13	86	12	3

	"Reducing access to violent movies and video games"
	1/15-17/13	52	43	5

	"Allowing teachers and school officials to carry guns on school grounds"
	1/15-17/13	42	52	6

"Does anyone in your household own a gun?"

		Yes	No	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	52	44	5

	"If the government passed a law to take your guns, would you give up your guns or defy the law and keep your guns?" N=518 respondents in households with a gun, margin of error ą 4

		In households with a gun
		Give up guns	Defy the law	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/15-17/13	22	65	13

CNN/Time/ORC Poll. Jan. 14-15, 2013. N=814 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Do you favor or oppose stricter gun control laws?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	55	44	1

"Do you think having stricter gun control laws would reduce the amount of violence in the country, or not?"

		Would reduce	Would not reduce
		%	%
	1/14-15/13	39	61

"Which of the following do you think is the primary cause of gun violence in America: the availability of guns, the way parents raise their children, or the influences of popular culture such as movies, television and the Internet?"

		Availability of guns	Way parents raise kids	Popular culture	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	23	37	37	3

"Some proposals would require a background check on anyone attempting to purchase a gun in order to determine whether the prospective buyer has been convicted of a felony or has a mental health problem. Please tell me whether you would favor or oppose a background check for a prospective gun buyer under each of the following circumstances. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"If the buyer is trying to purchase a gun from a gun store or other business that sells guns"
	1/14-15/13	92	7	-

	"If the buyer is trying to purchase a gun at a gun show"
	1/14-15/13	87	13	-

	"If the buyer is trying to purchase a gun from another person who is not a gun dealer but owns one or more guns and wants to sell one of them"
	1/14-15/13	75	25	1

"Please tell me whether you would generally favor or oppose each of the following proposals which some people have made to reduce the amount of gun violence. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"A ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of semi-automatic assault guns, such as the AK-47"
	1/14-15/13	56	44	1
	12/17-18/12	62	37	1
	8/7-8/12	57	42	1

	"A ban on the sale and possession of equipment known as high-capacity or extended ammunition clips, which allow some guns to shoot more than 10 bullets before they need to be reloaded"
	1/14-15/13	58	41	1
	12/17-18/12	62	37	1
	8/7-8/12	60	40	1

	"Requiring gun owners to register their guns with the local government"
	1/14-15/13	69	31	-
	12/17-18/12	78	22	-
	8/7-8/12	76	23	1

	"Restricting the amount of ammunition or the kind of ammunition that gun owners can purchase"
	1/14-15/13	52	48	1

"Would you favor or oppose a proposal to put armed guards in every school in the country?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	54	45	1

"Which of the following would do more to reduce the amount of gun violence in our nation's schools: proposals to enact stricter gun control laws, or proposals to put armed guards in every school in the country?"

		Stricter gun laws	Armed guards	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	40	47	4	9	1

"In your view, do existing laws make it too easy for people to buy guns, too difficult, or are they about right?"

		Too easy	Too difficult	About right	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	56	3	40	1

"Overall, do you agree or disagree with the positions of the National Rifle Association?"

		Agree	Disagree	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	48	42	10

"Thinking about how the gun issue might affect your vote for major offices, would you only vote for a candidate who shares your views on gun control, or would you consider a candidate's position on gun control as just one of many important factors when voting, or would you not consider gun control a major issue?"

		Only if shares views	One of many factors	Not a major issue	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	19	62	18	1

"Do you have these guns primarily to protect yourself from crime, primarily for sporting reasons, or for some other reason?" N=406 respondents in households with a gun, margin of error ą 5

		In households with a gun
		Protection from crime	Sporting reasons	Some other reason	Mixed (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/14-15/13	32	41	8	18	2

"Do you feel the federal government is trying to take away your right to own a gun, or don't you feel that way?" N=406 respondents in households with a gun, margin of error ą 5

		In households with a gun
		Trying to take away right to own a gun	Don't feel that way
		%	%
	1/14-15/13	53	47

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 11-15, 2013. N=1,110 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about gun laws: the Republicans in Congress or Barack Obama?"

		Republicans in Congress	Obama	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/11-15/13	39	47	3	7	5

"Is your opinion of the National Rifle Association favorable, not favorable, undecided, or haven't you heard enough about the National Rifle Association yet to have an opinion?"

		Favorable	Not favorable	Undecided	Haven't heard enough	Don't know/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/11-15/13	38	29	14	17	2

"Do you favor or oppose a federal law requiring a nationwide ban on people other than law enforcement officers carrying concealed weapons?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%
	1/11-15/13	32	65	3

"Do you favor or oppose creating a national database that would track all gun sales in the United States?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%
	1/11-15/13	78	20	2

"In general, how much do you think the depiction of violence in popular culture, such as movies and video games, contributes to gun violence in the U.S.? Would you say it contributes a lot, some, not much, or not at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Not at all	Unsure/ No answer
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/11-15/13	39	36	16	7	1

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Jan. 10-14, 2013. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"How important are the following issues to you personally: not at all important, slightly important, moderately important, very important or extremely important? How about gun control?"

		Not at all important	Slightly important	Moderately important	Very important	Extremely important
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/10-14/13	9	8	18	27	36

"Who do you trust to do a better job of handling gun laws: the Democrats or the Republicans?" Options rotated

		Democrats	Republicans	Neither (vol.)	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/10-14/13	40	34	16	9	1

"Do you think that laws limiting gun ownership infringe on the public's right to bear arms under the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, or do you think they do not infringe on the public's right to bear arms?"

		Infringe	Do not infringe	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%
	1/10-14/13	51	41	8	1
	8/16-20/12	49	43	7	1
	8/18-22/11	49	46	4	-
	8/11-16/10	51	45	4	-
	9/3-8/09	55	40	5	1

"Should gun laws in the United States be made more strict, less strict or remain as they are?"

		More strict	Less strict	Remain as they are	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/10-14/13	58	5	35	2

"Please tell me if you favor, oppose or neither favor nor oppose each of the following policies. Here's the first/next one: [See below.] Do you favor, oppose, or neither favor nor oppose that policy?"

		Favor	Oppose	Neither	Unsure	Refused
		%	%	%	%	%

	"A nationwide ban on the sale of military-style, rapid-fire guns"
	1/10-14/13	55	34	8	2	-

	"Establish a federal standard requiring background checks for those trying to buy guns at a gun show"
	1/10-14/13	84	12	4	1	-

	"A nationwide ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines, those which hold 10 or more bullets"
	1/10-14/13	51	37	10	2	1

	"Limits on the amount and type of gun violence that can be portrayed in video games, in movies or on television"
	1/10-14/13	54	29	14	2	-

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Jan. 10-13, 2013. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.5.

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring a nationwide ban on semi-automatic handguns, which automatically re-load every time the trigger is pulled?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	51	46	4
	12/14-16/12	52	44	3
	1/13-16/11	48	50	2
	4/22/07	55	41	3

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring a nationwide ban on high-capacity ammunition clips, meaning those containing more than 10 bullets?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	65	32	3
	12/14-16/12	59	38	2
	1/13-16/11	57	39	3

"Which of these do you think would do more to reduce gun violence in schools: having stricter gun control laws or armed guards in schools?" Options rotated

		Stricter laws	Armed guards	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	43	41	6	8	2

"For each item I name, please tell me how much, if at all, you think it contributes to gun violence in this country: a great deal, somewhat, not so much or not at all. . . ."

		A great deal	Somewhat	Not so much	Not at all	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%

	"The availability of semi-automatic handguns"
	1/10-13/13	41	29	13	16	1

	"The availability of assault weapons"
	1/10-13/13	45	28	11	15	1

	"The availability of high-capacity ammunition clips"
	1/10-13/13	42	28	11	17	2

	"Inadequate background checks before guns are sold"
	1/10-13/13	56	27	9	7	2

	"Violence in TV programs, movies and video games"
	1/10-13/13	38	34	13	15	1

	"Inadequate treatment of mentally ill people"
	1/10-13/13	56	30	7	5	2

	"Lack of individual responsibility by gun owners"
	1/10-13/13	53	30	7	8	1

"Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the leadership of the National Rifle Association?"

		Favorable	Unfavorable	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	36	44	20

"Do you think the National Rifle Association has too much influence, too little influence, or the right amount of influence over gun control laws in this country?"

		Too much	Too little	Right amount	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	38	24	30	8
	3/30 - 4/2/00	44	18	32	6
	8/30 - 9/2/99	47	17	31	5

"Thinking about the elementary school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, last month -- would you say this incident has made you more likely to support some forms of gun control, less likely to support some forms of gun control, or made no difference in your opinion on gun control?"

		More likely	Less likely	No difference	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	52	5	42	1

"How worried are you, if at all, that a mass shooting could happen in your community? Is that something that worries you a great deal, somewhat, not so much or not at all?"

		A great deal	Somewhat	Not so much	Not at all
		%	%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	24	31	24	21

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Jan. 10-13, 2013. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.7.

"What do you think is more important: to protect the right of Americans to own guns, OR to control gun ownership?"

		Protect right to own guns	Control gun ownership	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	1/10-13/13	45	51	5

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose the following proposals. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"Banning semi-automatic guns, which automatically reload when the trigger is pulled"
	1/10-13/13	46	51	2

	"Banning the possession of handguns except by law enforcement officers"
	1/10-13/13	28	70	2

	"Banning high-capacity ammunition clips that can hold more than 10 bullets"
	1/10-13/13	56	41	2

	"Banning bullets that explode or are designed to penetrate bullet-proof vests"
	1/10-13/13	58	39	3

Pew Research Center. Jan. 9-13, 2013. N=1,502 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 2.9.

"Which party could do a better job of reflecting your views about gun control?" 12/12: "Please tell me if you think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party could do a better job reflecting your views about gun control?"

		Republican Party	Democratic Party	Both equally (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/9-13/13	38	40	5	6	11
	12/17-19/12	27	28	12	15	18

"What do you think is more important -- to protect the right of Americans to own guns, or to control gun ownership?"

		Protect right to own guns	Control ownership	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	ALL	45	51	5
	Men	51	44
	Women	38	57
	Republicans	70	27
	Democrats	22	73
	Independents	49	47

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose the following proposals about gun policy. First, [see below]?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"A ban on semi-automatic weapons" N=727 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.2
	1/9-13/13	58	39	3

	"A ban on the sale of ammunition online" N=727 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.2
	1/9-13/13	53	44	3

	"Putting armed security guards or police in more schools" N=727 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.2
	1/9-13/13	64	32	4

	"Laws to prevent people with mental illness from purchasing guns" N=727 (Form 1), margin of error ą 4.2
	1/9-13/13	80	16	4

	"More teachers and school officials having guns in schools" N=775 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.1
	1/9-13/13	40	57	3

	"Creating a federal government database to track all gun sales" N=775 (Form 2), margin of error ą 4.1
	1/9-13/13	67	30	3

"Do you happen to have any guns, rifles or pistols in your home?"

		Yes	No	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	1/9-13/13	33	61	6
	12/17-19/12	35	61	4
	2/22 - 3/1/11	37	60	4

Gallup Poll. Jan. 7-10, 2013. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Next, we'd like to know how you feel about the state of the nation in each of the following areas. For each one, please say whether you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. If you don't have enough information about a particular subject to rate it, just say so. How about the nation's laws or policies on guns?"

		Satisfied	Dissatisfied	Unsure
		%	%	%
	1/7-10/13	43	51	5
	1/5-8/12	50	42	8
	1/4-6/08	48	44	7
	1/15-18/07	50	43	7
	1/9-12/06	48	43	9

"Next, we'd like to know how you feel about the state of the nation in each of the following areas. For each one, please say whether you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. If you don't have enough information about a particular subject to rate it, just say so. How about the nation's laws or policies on guns?" If dissatisfied: "Would you like to see gun laws in this country made more strict, less strict, or remain as they are?" Combined responses.

		Satisfied	Dissatisfied: More strict	Dissatisfied: Less strict	Dissatisfied: Remain same	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	1/7-10/13	43	38	5	8	5
	1/5-8/12	50	25	8	9	8
	1/4-6/08	49	30	8	6	7
	1/15-18/07	50	30	6	7	7
	1/9-12/06	47	32	7	4	9

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 19-22, 2012. N=1,038 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"In general, do you feel that the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now?"

		More strict	Less strict	Kept as now	Unsure
		%	%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	58	6	34	2
	10/6-9/11	43	11	44	2
	10/7-10/10	44	12	42	2
	10/1-4/09	44	12	43	1
	10/3-5/08	49	8	41	2
	10/4-7/07	51	8	39	2
	10/9-12/06	56	9	33	2
	10/13-16/05	57	7	35	1
	10/11-14/04	54	11	34	1
	1/9-11/04	60	6	34	-

"Do you think there should or should not be a law that would ban the possession of handguns, except by the police and other authorized persons?"

		Should be	Should not be	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	24	74	2
	10/6-9/11	26	73	1
	10/7-10/10	29	69	1
	10/1-4/09	28	71	1
	10/3-5/08	29	69	2
	10/4-7/07	30	68	2
	10/9-12/06	32	66	2
	10/13-16/05	35	64	1
	10/11-14/04	36	63	1

"In terms of gun laws in the United States, which of the following would you prefer to see happen: enforce the current gun laws more strictly and NOT pass new gun laws, or pass new gun laws in addition to enforcing the current laws more strictly?" Options rotated

		Enforce laws more strictly	Pass new laws	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	46	47	7
	10/6-9/11	60	35	5
	10/4-7/07	58	38	4
	10/9-12/06	53	43	4
	2/8-10/02	60	38	2
	8/29 - 9/5/00	53	45	2
	4/28-30/00	51	44	5

"Are you for or against a law which would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess semi-automatic guns known as assault rifles?"

		For	Against	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	44	51	5
	10/6-9/11	43	53	5
	10/11-14/04	50	46	4

"Please say whether you favor or oppose each of the following: A law which would require background checks before people -- including gun dealers -- could buy guns at gun shows."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	92	7	-
	2/8-9/99	83	16	1

"Please say whether you favor or oppose each of the following: A law which would ban the sale and possession of high-capacity ammunition clips that can contain more than 10 bullets."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/19-22/12	62	35	3

Pew Research Center. Dec. 17-19, 2012. N=1,219 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.4.

"How much, if anything, have you read or heard about a shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut: a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

		A lot	A little	Nothing at all	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/12	88	10	1	1

"Do you think this shooting reflects broader problems in American society, or are things like this just the isolated acts of troubled individuals?"

		Broader problems	Isolated acts	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/17-19/12	44	47	8
	12/14-16/12	47	44	9

"Do you think that gun ownership in this country does more to protect people from becoming victims of crime, or does more to put people's safety at risk?" Options rotated

		Protect people	Put safety at risk	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/17-19/12	48	37	16

"Do you think allowing citizens to own assault weapons makes the country safer or more dangerous?" Options rotated

		Safer	More dangerous	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%
	12/17-19/12	21	65	13

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose the following proposals. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%

	"Banning semi-automatic guns, which automatically reload when the trigger is pulled"
	12/17-19/12	44	49	7

	"Banning the possession of handguns except by law enforcement officers"
	12/17-19/12	28	67	5

	"Banning high-capacity ammunition clips that can hold more than 10 bullets"
	12/17-19/12	53	42	5

	"Banning bullets that explode or are designed to penetrate bullet-proof vests"
	12/17-19/12	56	36	7

"Do you think the National Rifle Association has too much influence, too little influence or, the right amount of influence over gun control laws in this country?"

		Too much	Too little	Right amount	Unsure/ Refused
		%	%	%	%
	12/17-19/12	36	19	28	17

Gallup Poll. Dec. 18, 2012. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Next, do you think each of the following would be a very effective, somewhat effective, or not effective approach to preventing mass shootings at schools, like the one that occurred in Connecticut last week? How about [see below]?"

		Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not effective	Unsure
		%	%	%	%

	"Increasing the police presence at schools"
	12/18/12	53	34	12	1

	"Increased government spending on mental health screening and treatment"
	12/18/12	50	34	14	2

	"Decreasing the depiction of gun violence on television, in movies, and in video games"
	12/18/12	47	31	20	2

	"Banning the sale of assault and semi-automatic guns"
	12/18/12	42	21	36	1

	"Having at least one school official at every school carry a gun for the school's protection"
	12/18/12	34	30	34	2

	"News media refusing to print or read the names of the person responsible for the shooting"
	12/18/12	27	30	40	3

CNN/ORC Poll. Dec. 17-18, 2012. N=620 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"Please tell me whether you would generally favor or oppose each of the following proposals which some people have made to reduce the amount of gun violence. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"A background check on anyone attempting to purchase a gun in order to determine whether the prospective buyer has been convicted of a felony"
	12/17-18/12	95	5	-
	8/7-8/12	96	4	-

	"Preventing certain people, such as convicted felons or people with mental health problems, from owning guns"
	12/17-18/12	92	8	1
	8/7-8/12	91	8	1

	"Limiting the number of guns an individual can own"
	12/17-18/12	48	52	-
	8/7-8/12	45	54	1

"Now here are some questions about the shootings which occurred recently in an elementary school in Connecticut. ... Which of the following statements comes closer to your overall view? Government and society can take action that will be effective in preventing shootings like the one in Connecticut from happening again. Shootings like the one in Connecticut will happen again regardless of what action is taken by government and society."

		Can take effective action	Will happen regardless	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/17-18/12	46	53	2

"Have the shootings in Connecticut made you more likely to support stricter gun control laws, less likely to support stricter gun control laws, or has your opinion on gun control not changed as a result of the shootings in Connecticut?"

		More likely	Less likely	No change
		%	%	%
	12/17-18/12	43	7	50

CBS News Poll. Dec. 14-16, 2012. N=620 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.

"How much have you heard or read about the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut: a lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?"

		A lot	Some	Not much	Nothing at all
		%	%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	69	26	3	1

"Do you think that stricter gun control laws would have done a lot to prevent the violence that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, done a little, or had no effect on preventing the violence in the school in Newtown, Connecticut?"

		A lot	A little	No effect	It depends (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	26	16	50	3	5

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 14-16, 2012. N=602 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 4.5.

"Do you favor or oppose stricter gun control laws in this country?"

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	54	43	3
	Democrats	74	22
	Republicans	29	67
	Independents	52	46

"Would you support or oppose a law requiring a nationwide ban on the sale of handguns, except to law enforcement officers?"

		Support	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	27	71	2
	1/13-16/11	31	67	2
	4/22/07	38	60	3
	5/00	38	59	3
	9/99	32	65	3

"What do you think is the best way to reduce gun violence in this country: by passing stricter gun control laws, or by stricter enforcement of existing laws?" Options rotated

		Stricter laws	Stricter enforcement	Both (vol.)	Neither (vol.)	Unsure
		%	%	%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	32	49	8	7	3
	1/13-16/11	29	57	5	7	2
	4/21-24/09	27	61	5	4	2
	4/22/07	29	52	9	8	1
	4/00	33	53	7	5	2

"Thinking about the shooting at a Connecticut elementary school: Do you think this shooting reflects broader problems in American society, or are things like this just the isolated acts of troubled individuals?"

		Broader problems	Isolated acts	Unsure
		%	%	%
	12/14-16/12	52	43	5

CNN/ORC Poll. Aug. 7-8, 2012. N=1,010 adults nationwide. Margin of error ą 3.

"Please tell me whether you would generally favor or oppose each of the following proposals which some people have made to reduce the amount of gun violence. . . ."

		Favor	Oppose	Unsure
		%	%	%

	"Preventing all Americans from owning guns"
	8/7-8/12	10	89	-

Guns continued

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